Recover unsaved Photoshop files on Mac [5 Proven Methods]

This guide shows how to recover unsaved Photoshop files on a Mac, regardless of the cause—system crash, application error, accidental shutdown, or other issues. Prioritize regular saving (Command S) to prevent future losses.

Preventing Data Loss:

Disk Drill, available on Setapp, swiftly recovers various file types, including PSDs. It also monitors hard drive health. For managing temporary files and older PSD versions to improve system performance, CleanMyMac is recommended. CleanMyMac's steps: Install, open, click "Performance," "Scan," "View All Tasks," select files, and "Remove."

Common Causes of Photoshop File Loss:

• Unexpected application or system crashes.
• Accidental deletion.
• Forgetting to save.
• Power failures.
• Accidental shutdowns.
• Corrupt PSD files due to storage issues.

Recovery Methods:

Method 1: Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a top recommendation for recovering accidentally deleted, crash-lost, or system-issue-lost files. It supports various file formats and works across devices. Steps: Install, select the drive, click "Search for lost data," "Review found items," filter by "PSD," and "Recover."

Method 2: Photoshop Auto Recovery Folder

Photoshop's Auto Save feature (check and enable under Photoshop 2025 > Settings > File Handling) stores unsaved files. Locate the Auto Recovery folder at ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop 2025/AutoRecover, right-click the PSD, "Open With" Photoshop, and save. Note: This only covers Photoshop application crashes, not system-wide issues.

Method 3: Photoshop's Recent Files

Check Photoshop's "Open Recent" (File > Open Recent) for unsaved projects. Open and immediately save any recovered files. This is limited to very recent files.

Method 4: Temporary Files

Photoshop creates temporary files (.psb or .tmp). Search your Mac's tmp folder (Finder > Go > Computer > Macintosh HD, search for "tmp.") for these files and try opening them in Photoshop.

Method 5: Time Machine Backup

If Time Machine is enabled, restore PSD files from your backups.

Preventing Future Losses:

• Enable Auto Save in Photoshop.
• Use cloud storage (Adobe Cloud, etc.).
• Regularly back up using Time Machine or dedicated backup software like Get Backup Pro.

All mentioned apps are available on Setapp. A free 7-day trial is available.

FAQ:

• Photoshop temporary file location: The tmp folder (see Method 4).
• Recovering unsaved files: Disk Drill (see Method 1).
• Recovery without Auto Save: Try recent files, temporary files, and Time Machine (see Methods 3, 4, and 5). Disk Drill is a last resort.

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